The Study Of Western Political Thought Has Endured A Drastic Change Th

The study of western political thought has endured a drastic change throughout the centuries. This shift occurred through the queries of ancient philosophical minds such as Plato, Aristotle, the Stoics, and St. Augustine. Two examples of great importance are the inequality of gender and the role of power distributed and issued within the state. Plato believed all people, men and women alike are created equal; this notion runs parallel to our modern day Constitution. He states "if we are to set women to the same tasks as men, we must teach them the same things," they must endure "training for the mind and body and also be taught the art of war" (149). Plato developed a role known as a guardian or a soldier to protect over the people. He relates this to the fact that if watchdogs can be both male and female why can't guardians. Aristotle is known as Plato's greatest pupil. He was strongly influenced by the teachings of Plato but was also known for ridiculing some of his ways. His view of women is drastically different from those of Plato. By nature, he says, women are to be dominated by men. Aristotle refers to women as imperfect men. He acknowledges that women can possess reason, but can not obtain the same stature as men. Aristotle believes the only purpose that women serve is to provide matter for the child and the men provide the form. His ideas of form and matter are very different from that of Plato, since his beliefs are void of matter holding only form as the essence behind life. The beginning of Stoic philosophy formed a totally different view on the idea of equality. Equality was no longer devised with respects to a community in the whole, but rather as individuals. The Stoics developed a system consisting of three classes. Everyone within each particular class was considered equals. They were strong followers of the concept of natural law, which meant both men and women can reason. Their reasoning was treated in the same respects no matter what gender; this statement is very different from that of Aristotle. Zeno, the founder of the Stoics, believed in the notion of brotherhood among all, men and women alike. St. Augustine took the Stoics ideas of equality one step further. His views pertain to that of the Christian approach. Augustine believed that people were all equals within the City of God. Spiritually women were identical to men, but physically they shared many differences. This idea of equality holds true even to present day. These paragraphs demonstrate a tremendous change in the equality of women within society. Another example that was greatly impacted by these time periods was the change in the role of power distributed and issued within the state. Plato held the belief of the philosopher king. He believed to ensure the ideal state "either philosophers (were to) become kings in their countries or those who are now called kings and rulers come to be sufficiently inspired with a desire for wisdom" (179). Plato believed only the wise could execute proper justice. A just city is an ideal city for Plato, one in which the philosopher was in total control. Aristotle's views greatly differ from Plato's. Aristotle believed that each individual in their self made the polis. He compares having only one person as a "hand" (112) without a body, put that hand with the rest of the body and it can work to its fullest potential. This describes individuals working as a whole to better the polis. By including all citizens Aristotle believed he had created the ideal city. During the time of the Stoics, many important philosophers gave their opinions about the issues of authority within the state. As stated previously, Zeno was a strong believer of the brotherhood among all. The Stoics notion of natural law granted all people within the state, of any class, to be offered the ability to share their opinion of government. Another philosopher, Polibius, agreed with Aristotle's concept of mixed constitution. Government was gradually moving away from the days of Plato. Augustine defined the Christian rule of the Church over state. In order to have the ideal government, Augustine believed law should co-relate to that of the Church.

buy custom Science and Superstitions essay

buy custom Science and Superstitions essay Science is a study that uses research findings to prove or disapprove a certain phenomenon. In science, data collected from research work and subject to interpretation come up with some logical conclusions that are quantifiable. A superstition is a traditional outstanding belief about a certain occurrence or something. An example is the belief of getting sick which is viewed differently by the supporters of science and superstition. To illustrate, scientists argue that diseases are due to disease causing pathogens. Superstitious beliefs in history have different explanations of the same phenomena. Some believe that people get sick due to wrongdoing and deviation from the ancestors wishes. Interestingly, while scientists have strongly backed their arguments, superstitious believers just trust what they deem the cause of this suffering. Hank claims that he can bring the sun back after an eclipse that was untimely. Merlin, on the other hand, claims that his magic tricks can bring the light back, yet Merlin is not able to do this in the end. Similarly, another duel comes up when Hank blows up Merlins tower with lightning and dynamite and claims to be a better magician than Merlin since Merlin is not able to prevent the destruction by incantations (Twain 449). Hank who uses the scientific knowledge to m ake a destructive lightning can state and explain exactly what causes the destruction. Merlin who uses supernatural powers has no grounds to support as to why the he cannot control destruction. Hank Morgan is, in fact, manipulating people with his tricks (science) that are just slightly different from what Merlin does with his false magic. They both want the same thing to make King Arthur believe in their magic so that they gain the control (Twain 450). When Hank and Merlin were competing to prove who is mightier, several experiments performed by Hank Morgan appeared successful opposed to Merlins attempts which were done in vain. The theory of science and superstition contrasts is evident from these tricks. Hank Morgan conducts yet another trick by restoring the flow of miraculous waters at the valley of holiness as Merlin attempts but is unable to accomplish his mission (Twain 450). Hank disguises people who have no scientific knowledge when he defeats Merlin on his field. These people regard the experiments conducted by Hank by confusing them as also magical. After his defeating trials, Hank finally concludes that science is magic and that he is the best magician (Twain 450). Hank protects his compound with electric fence unknown to Merlin who has a belief that he can cross the fence, which in an attempt is electrocuted and dies instantly. Hank was disguising himself as magic that Arthur had no reason to refuse since there were no grounds to dispute. Everyone is now confused of the difference between science and magic. Science deals with facts while magic does not. To illustrate, Hank is not in a position to control the sun eclipse but alters statements that are found to be true. The difference between the two is only the fact that science has some underlying facs, but magic dwells on unforeseen powers. Hank uses generally unknown powers of science and technology, like a pocket battery, to start a water pump to drive water up the valley of holiness. This relation between science and magic is evident when Hank defeats the surrogate Merlin through disguise. Science is easy to understand since it uses defined principles that are uniform in results and not hard to comprehend. It seems, supernatural powers are not applicable since the 19th century as science has been developing very fast with more and more sophisticated machines being invented. Twain in his novel creates the ambivalence of the paradox of the magical science. The different types of sciences include the one that uses progress, reasoning and a high degree of civilization and the one representing a Connecticut Yankee. These two sciences are in opposite sides of each other. The invention of the telephone in 1880 is related to the implementation of scientific machines, which brought a difference of lifestyle. Science is very important in everyday life to perfect our performance in all fields. From the history of science, people used science in making work simple even during the Stone Age. Early man used the knowledge of friction to make fire. Actually, that was science at those times. Everything around us is surrounded by facts of science that can be used to improve a previously used method. Superstitions have no account since the ground of whatever happens is baseless, and only the practitioner knows what is happening. Sometimes one may think and conclude that these magic things do not work and are just mind tricks. From the past in the Christian society, Jesus performed miracles that were magical. Nobody could exactly explain what Jesus did since the acts were magic. Hank used his knowledge of science as magic to woe people about his powers to handle so many things unknown to anybody else. Hank uses things that are mechanically fit to simplify work. These include bicycles, water pumps, sewing machines, and the power of electricity. These things are given as gifts to the working people who were serving Arthur efficiently. He, therefore, uses science as magic for his own benefits. The industrial revolution that took place in the late 1880s happened because of science: since people were able to communicate using telephones, use simple machines to produce goods and ease transportation of people. These machines and activities are not actually magic. Machines used steam to propel them from one point to another. This was magic, as perceived by people. In this context, one may argue that the superstition belief developed because of lack of knowledge within the evolving minds of people. We can, therefore, conclude that superstition as a strong belief of what we cannot explain. Hank uses this fact to disguise and benefit from the prevailing circumstances of people who have nothing to say about science. In fact, superstitions have never worked anywhere but have been used to benefit the person using grounds that are not straightforward. The theory of occult is not documenteed anywhere in the history of discoveries. Superstition and science are interrelated in a way that each of them aims at delivering knowledge that is not common to everybody. Discoveries serve a big role in this field. Science has played a great role in the civilized world since the industrial revolution took place. It brings about knowledge of problem solving related to making work easier. Machines and power that are still under scientific investigation create very many job opportunities, which lead to improved standards of living. The magic science has not done much since those who practice the magic are still living in the past time of the 18th century. This was proved by the comparison of Hank and Marlin when they competed for who had stronger magic powers. This proves that in ancient times, the empires and kingdoms practiced magic as a measure of strength. Anybody who could move the masses with his or her magic got automatic recognition from the state. This is different from the world today where science exhibitions organ ized by different states to enhance creativity in the world are popular. Scientific inventions today bear names of the persons who discovered them. These include the discovery of the telephone by Bell, which is now Bells electric phone. Discoveries will never live for a long time since people still need to advance in different fields. Most companies today are employing research departments to explore different ways of advancing the development of production and improving sales. In the times when superstitions worked they were not accountable for the outcomes. Magic power worked during the era when science was magic to the people..Science is applicable to the advancement of the technology that creates the basis of any industrial state. Development in a state is dependent on the level of scientific innovation. The most productive countries have a history of investment in science and technology leading to increased agricultural and industrial production. This field of study development includes social sciences that use scientific methods in carrying out research in behavior. The behavior of a machine, human beings, and animals is under research using scientific processes. This process predicts the outcome of a phenomenon and hence enables recommendations. Science has replaced ancient theories of everything dwelling on magic. Kings and emperors used superstition to woe people into their strong belief. Kings used magicians to give interpretations of their problems and provide solutions. This is opposite to the thought of this field of study. Now everybody looks at the possibility of development using scientific knowledge. Solution to problems depends entirely on scientific knowledge. The study is slowly developing from the grass roots to the international development. To empower scientists the governments are supposed to invest heavily to advance the countrys development. The conclusion of the comparison between these theories gives an insight that superstition is also science but of ancient times. The real science of these days depends on the integration of research. Buy custom Science and Superstitions essay

Educational Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Educational Psychology - Essay Example Educational psychology is worried with the procedure of educational achievement in the middle of the universal population and sub-populations such as talented children and those subject to precise disabilities (Woolfolk, A. & Margetts, K. 2007). Scenario 1: He’ll Speak to his Brain Andrew was a very slow writer. He constantly stared into space and was easily distracted and yet didn’t admit he had a problem. Miss O’Brien has spoken to his previous teacher, who said he was lazy. Miss O’Brien believed that a lot of Andrew’s behaviour was linked to being afraid of getting it â€Å"wrong† and she had her suspicions that pressure came from home. She developed a strong relationship with Andrew and he eventually admitted to her that he had a problem with his writing. One day when Miss O’Brien was working with Andrew, she asked him why he couldn’t write what was in his head. He said, â€Å"When I get up to five things in my head they burst like a bubble - it’s like trying to pick up a bubble, when you touch it, it bursts.† It was a real insight into Andrew. He had just shown her how able he was at using and controlling language to capture his thoughts and feelings. He had identified his short-term memory problems. After that Andrew really unburdened himself saying that he was anxious that Mum and Dad might realise he has a problem and he believed himself that he couldn’t write. Together Miss O’Brien and Andrew devised three ways to help. First, they had a book of ideas which Andrew could carry around and when he saw or did something interesting he could make a note of it.

What makes a Retail Fashion Brand A Brand Essay

What makes a Retail Fashion Brand A Brand - Essay Example The essay "What makes a Retail Fashion Brand A Brand" talks about the Brand of Fashion and how Brand becomes a Brand that can be trusted. The world Fashion is all about changing lifestyles and trends and people following them. The past decade has seen major changes in the world of retailing. It has seen major growth in the marketing and promotion of private labels indicating the increase in the growth and power of retail. However, a number of discounters and warehouse clubs have reintroduced pressure on the conventional retailers and ended up in making the competition even fiercer. The major portion of a retailer’s revenue model relies on selling manufacturer brands, which is a common factor between various other retailers offering the same brand. This factor makes it even more difficult for a retailer to differentiate himself among others. Hence, the problem not only poses a challenge but also an opportunity. If a retailer has the ability to build its own brand equity and cre ate a positive perception and recall in consumer minds, it is bound to reap in healthy profits. It would help the retailer in restoring and maintaining its competitive advantage resulting in increasing the revenue and overall profitability and in turn reducing the costs. Moreover, another advantage that a strong retail brand with high brand equity is that they have more bargaining power with their respective suppliers, which are the manufacturer brands giving them even more advantage over their competitors.

The Recycling Of Plastic Waste Environmental Sciences Essay

The Recycling Of Plastic Waste Environmental Sciences Essay When you think about the huge amounts of plastics we produce and the problems that can occur when we try to Disposal of plastic, it makes sense to reuse or recycle what we can. Recycling: means making new things from items that have been used and are not need any more. Steps to recycling First, depolymerization is the step of transfer a polymer in a mixture of monomers. Second, thermal depolymerization is a depolymerization step using hydrous pyrolysis for the reduction of complex organic materials (often waste products of various sorts, often biomass and plastic) in a light crude oil.Third, the heat compression process have taken all unsorted, cleaned plastic in all forms, from soft plastic bags to hard industrial waste. The Applications in plastics tybes. (PET) are recycled to reuse the material out of which they are made and to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills. (PVC) is a thermoplastic polymer. (HDPE) The most-often recycled plastic. (HDPE) came from petroleum. (Other plastics)The white plastic foam peanuts used as packing material are often accepted by shipping stores for use it again.Finlly Example Items Recycling,Recycle Plastic Bags. Recycle Plastic Coat Hangers. Recycle Plastic Bottles .Recycle All Other Plastic Waste. The Effect of Recycling Plastics on the Environment # Resource Conservation Recycling plastic bottles assists to conserve natural resources, specially oil, that is nonrenewable natural resource obtainable only in limited provide recycling one ton of plastic can conserves around 3.8 barrels of oil according to the Environmental Protection Agency . 2.12 millions of plastic was recycled in 2008 which is equivalent to approximately 7.6 million barrels of oil. # Energy Conservation. The process of finding new materials from existing materials need much less energy than what is needed for rare materials. Recycling one pound of the most common plastic used in water bottles called polyethylene terephthalate (PET) can conserve around 12,000 British thermal units of heat energy according to the Environmental Protection Agency . the process of recycle needs less energy by two- third than usual manufacturing . which help in reducing the damage of the usual power grid. That depend on burning fossil fuels. # Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions The process of producing plastic is able to increase the greenhouse gasses in air like carbon dioxide. Which is known as a major reason of global warming . because recycling plastic require less energy and fossil fuels it result in reducing greenhouse gas revival . The Environmental Protection Agency foredoomed that each family can help to reduce its production of carbon dioxide by the average of 340 pounds yearly . just by reuse the plastic things # Decreased Pollution besides reducing greenhouse gasses . recycled plastic can decrease the amount of pollutants in air and water . in addition many of landfill operations will burn the plastic bottles to keep waste that is able to secreted toxic pollutants and other materials that irritants into the atmosphere . the plastic resin is useful to produce water bottles. Besides it contain unsafe chemicals Challenges of recycling Recycled the Plastics have a low entropy of mixing. A macromolecule of plastic interacts with its environment along its entire length. Also In most places, plastics are collected for recycling. It is not easy to recycle plastics because the different kinds of plastic must first be sorted out. Mixed plastic connot be used for recycling.In addaion, some people donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t suport gaverment so they didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t put kind of plastic in the right place!!. In Germany and some parts of the United stats, you pay a deposit when you buy a full plastic bottle. When you take your empty plastic bottle back to the shop, you get the deposit back. This encourages people to return their emptyplastic bottles and not just throw them away. The shops then return the bottles to the company that made them for refilling. Another solution to reduce using of plastic Many scientists and governments are working together to find ways to stop using plastic. In Bangladesh the government prohibited the plastic bags completely. In 2002 Ireland imposed taxes for using plastic bags about 0.15 EUR per bag that helped to reduce the usage of plastic bags by 90 percent .besides , they gain 1 million dollar as a revenue. But as individual we can take the lead to reduce usage of plastic by several steps such as: we can use reusable bags which have a various shapes, designs and sizes, when you donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t use it you can rolled and put it in your pocket. Another way you can use reusable water bottles which made of recycled materials that can last for a long time and be recycled once again also we can use glass bottles instead of plastic bottles which is reusable. Also the number of Disposable Diapers used nowadays is very huge, and it cost around $300 million yearly to decompose single use diapers . so families can use for their kids Disposable Diaper s that made of wood base instead of the once with plastic base because it is going to decompose later so it will not cause environmental problems and it cost less than the plastic once. However, good cooperation between the people and government and the countries will lead to better results . Conclusion This report is concerned with the complex question of dealing with plastic waste. There are dozens of different plastics in common use, and many products are made from a mixture of these. However , people dont really care about throwing plastics away as they are not expensive. The Previous pages introduced and discussed ideas such as source reduction of waste, degradability of plastic, and the impact on environment and human ,which all inter-relate with the central issue of plastic pollution. In addition, the report provided overview of the facts and issues involved, together with examples from around the world which demonstrate how progress is being made in effective waste management and production of brand new plastics is less cost. It must be emphasized that plastic waste recycling and management are not merely the concern of large-scale schemes and companies. Every individual one of us can take action to deal effectively with plastic waste in our lives, and in this small way make an essential contribution towards improving our environment by put our own selfish needs before the needs of everything around us now and the lives of future generations.

How Huck Matures in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Essay examples -

A French philosopher named Henry Burquen once said, 'To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly.' A good example of how a person develops his or her maturity is the story of Huck in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. In the novel, a young boy from the South travels down the Mississippi River with a runaway slave where they encounter many adventures and meet many different people. Along the way, not only does Huck mature, but he also becomes a kind and loyal person, sometimes going against the values of society. Huck's adventure down the Mississippi River is a passage into manhood because he learns to make decisions on his own as well as gain respect for Jim as a person. Huck matures throughout his adventures as he makes decisions on his own. For instance, before the trip down the Mississippi river, Tom explains to Huck how they should be like the robbers in the books, Huck responds, ?Well, if that?s the way, I?m agreed, but I don?t take no stock in it...But go ahead, I ain?t got nothing to say? (Twain 18). Earlier ...

The Da Vinci Code Chapter 105

CHAPTER 105 Night had fallen over Rosslyn. Robert Langdon stood alone on the porch of the fieldstone house enjoying the sounds of laughter and reunion drifting through the screened door behind him. The mug of potent Brazilian coffee in his hand had granted him a hazy reprieve from his mounting exhaustion, and yet he sensed the reprieve would be fleeting. The fatigue in his body went to the core. â€Å"You slipped out quietly,† a voice behind him said. He turned. Sophie's grandmother emerged, her silver hair shimmering in the night. Her name, for the last twenty-eight years at least, was Marie Chauvel. Langdon gave a tired smile. â€Å"I thought I'd give your family some time together.† Through the window, he could see Sophie talking with her brother. Marie came over and stood beside him. â€Å"Mr. Langdon, when I first heard of Jacques's murder, I was terrified for Sophie's safety. Seeing her standing in my doorway tonight was the greatest relief of my life. I cannot thank you enough.† Langdon had no idea how to respond. Although he had offered to give Sophie and her grandmother time to talk in private, Marie had asked him to stay and listen. My husband obviously trusted you, Mr.Langdon, so I do as well. And so Langdon had remained, standing beside Sophie and listening in mute astonishment while Marie told the story of Sophie's late parents. Incredibly, both had been from Merovingian families – direct descendants of Mary Magdalene and Jesus Christ. Sophie's parents and ancestors, for protection, had changed their family names of Plantard and Saint-Clair. Their children represented the most direct surviving royal bloodline and therefore were carefully guarded by the Priory. When Sophie's parents were killed in a car accident whose cause could not be determined, the Priory feared the identity of the royal line had been discovered. â€Å"Your grandfather and I,† Marie had explained in a voice choked with pain, â€Å"had to make a grave decision the instant we received the phone call. Your parents' car had just been found in the river.† She dabbed at the tears in her eyes. â€Å"All six of us – including you two grandchildren – were supposed to be traveling together in that car that very night. Fortunately we changed our plans at the last moment, and your parents were alone. Hearing of the accident, Jacques and I had no way to know what had really happened†¦ or if this was truly an accident.† Marie looked at Sophie. â€Å"We knew we had to protect our grandchildren, and we did what we thought was best. Jacques reported to the police that your brother and I had been in the car†¦ our two bodies apparently washed off in the current. Then your brother and I went underground with the Priory. Jacques, being a man of prominence, did not have the luxury of disappearing. It o nly made sense that Sophie, being the eldest, would stay in Paris to be taught and raised by Jacques, close to the heart and protection of the Priory.† Her voice fell to a whisper. â€Å"Separating the family was the hardest thing we ever had to do. Jacques and I saw each other only very infrequently, and always in the most secret of settings†¦ under the protection of the Priory. There are certain ceremonies to which the brotherhood always stays faithful.† Langdon had sensed the story went far deeper, but he also sensed it was not for him to hear. So he had stepped outside. Now, gazing up at the spires of Rosslyn, Langdon could not escape the hollow gnaw of Rosslyn's unsolved mystery. Is the Grail really here at Rosslyn? And if so, where are theblade and chalice that Sauniere mentioned in his poem?† I'll take that,† Marie said, motioning to Langdon's hand. â€Å"Oh, thank you.† Langdon held out his empty coffee cup. She stared at him. â€Å"I was referring to your other hand, Mr. Langdon.† Langdon looked down and realized he was holding Sauniere's papyrus. He had taken it from the cryptex once again in hopes of seeing something he had missed earlier. â€Å"Of course, I'm sorry.† Marie looked amused as she took the paper. â€Å"I know of a man at a bank in Paris who is probably very eager to see the return of this rosewood box. Andre Vernet was a dear friend of Jacques, and Jacques trusted him explicitly. Andre would have done anything to honor Jacques's requests for the care of this box.† Including shooting me, Langdon recalled, deciding not to mention that he had probably broken the poor man's nose. Thinking of Paris, Langdon flashed on the three senechaux who had been killed the night before. â€Å"And the Priory? What happens now?† â€Å"The wheels are already in motion, Mr. Langdon. The brotherhood has endured for centuries, and it will endure this. There are always those waiting to move up and rebuild.† All evening Langdon had suspected that Sophie's grandmother was closely tied to the operations of the Priory. After all, the Priory had always had women members. Four Grand Masters had been women. The senechaux were traditionally men – the guardians – and yet women held far more honored status within the Priory and could ascend to the highest post from virtually any rank. Langdon thought of Leigh Teabing and Westminster Abbey. It seemed a lifetime ago. â€Å"Was the Church pressuring your husband not to release the Sangreal documents at the End of Days?† â€Å"Heavens no. The End of Days is a legend of paranoid minds. There is nothing in the Priory doctrine that identifies a date at which the Grail should be unveiled. In fact the Priory has always maintained that the Grail should never be unveiled.† â€Å"Never?† Langdon was stunned. â€Å"It is the mystery and wonderment that serve our souls, not the Grail itself. The beauty of the Grail lies in her ethereal nature.† Marie Chauvel gazed up at Rosslyn now. â€Å"For some, the Grail is a chalice that will bring them everlasting life. For others, it is the quest for lost documents and secret history. And for most, I suspect the Holy Grail is simply a grand idea†¦ a glorious unattainable treasure that somehow, even in today's world of chaos, inspires us.† â€Å"But if the Sangreal documents remain hidden, the story of Mary Magdalene will be lost forever,† Langdon said. â€Å"Will it? Look around you. Her story is being told in art, music, and books. More so every day. The pendulum is swinging. We are starting to sense the dangers of our history†¦ and of our destructive paths. We are beginning to sense the need to restore the sacred feminine.† She paused. â€Å"You mentioned you are writing a manuscript about the symbols of the sacred feminine, are you not?† â€Å"I am.† She smiled. â€Å"Finish it, Mr. Langdon. Sing her song. The world needs modern troubadours.† Langdon fell silent, feeling the weight of her message upon him. Across the open spaces, a new moon was rising above the tree line. Turning his eyes toward Rosslyn, Langdon felt a boyish craving to know her secrets. Don't ask, he told himself. This is not the moment.He glanced at the papyrus in Marie's hand, and then back at Rosslyn. â€Å"Ask the question, Mr. Langdon,† Marie said, looking amused. â€Å"You have earned the right.† Langdon felt himself flush.† You want to know if the Grail is here at Rosslyn.† â€Å"Can you tell me?† She sighed in mock exasperation. â€Å"Why is it that men simply cannot let the Grail rest?† She laughed, obviously enjoying herself. â€Å"Why do you think it's here?† Langdon motioned to the papyrus in her hand. â€Å"Your husband's poem speaks specifically of Rosslyn, except it also mentions a blade and chalice watching over the Grail. I didn't see any symbols of the blade and chalice up there.† â€Å"The blade and chalice?† Marie asked. â€Å"What exactly do they look like?† Langdon sensed she was toying with him, but he played along, quickly describing the symbols. A look of vague recollection crossed her face. â€Å"Ah, yes, of course. The blade represents all that is masculine. I believe it is drawn like this, no?† Using her index finger, she traced a shape on herpalm. â€Å"Yes,† Langdon said. Marie had drawn the less common† closed† form of the blade, although Langdon had seen the symbol portrayed both ways. â€Å"And the inverse,† she said, drawing again on her palm,† is the chalice, which represents the feminine.† â€Å"Correct,† Langdon said. â€Å"And you are saying that in all the hundreds of symbols we have here in Rosslyn Chapel, these two shapes appear nowhere?† â€Å"I didn't see them.† â€Å"And if I show them to you, will you get some sleep?† Before Langdon could answer, Marie Chauvel had stepped off the porch and was heading toward the chapel. Langdon hurried after her. Entering the ancient building, Marie turned on the lights and pointed to the center of the sanctuary floor. â€Å"There you are, Mr. Langdon. The blade and chalice.† Langdon stared at the scuffed stone floor. It was blank. â€Å"There's nothing here†¦ .† Marie sighed and began to walk along the famous path worn into the chapel floor, the same path Langdon had seen the visitors walking earlier this evening. As his eyes adjusted to see the giant symbol, he still felt lost. â€Å"But that's the Star of Dav – † Langdon stopped short, mute with amazement as it dawned on him. The blade and chalice. Fused as one. The Star of David†¦ the perfect union of male and female†¦ Solomon's Seal†¦ marking the Holy of Holies, where the male and female deities – Yahweh and Shekinah – were thought to dwell. Langdon needed a minute to find his words. â€Å"The verse does point here to Rosslyn. Completely. Perfectly.† Marie smiled. â€Å"Apparently.† The implications chilled him. â€Å"So the Holy Grail is in the vault beneath us?† She laughed. â€Å"Only in spirit. One of the Priory's most ancient charges was one day to return the Grail to her homeland of France where she could rest for eternity. For centuries, she was dragged across the countryside to keep her safe. Most undignified. Jacques's charge when he became Grand Master was to restore her honor by returning her to France and building her a resting place fit for a queen.† â€Å"And he succeeded?† Now her face grew serious. â€Å"Mr. Langdon, considering what you've done for me tonight, and as curator of the Rosslyn Trust, I can tell you for certain that the Grail is no longer here.† Langdon decided to press. â€Å"But the keystone is supposed to point to the place where the Holy Grail is hidden now.Why does it point to Rosslyn?† â€Å"Maybe you're misreading its meaning. Remember, the Grail can be deceptive. As could my late husband.† â€Å"But how much clearer could he be?† he asked. â€Å"We are standing over an underground vault marked by the blade and chalice, underneath a ceiling of stars, surrounded by the art of Master Masons. Everything speaks of Rosslyn.† â€Å"Very well, let me see this mysterious verse.† She unrolled the papyrus and read the poem aloud in a deliberate tone. The Holy Grail ‘neath ancient Roslin waits. The blade and chalice guarding o'er Her gates. Adorned in masters' loving art, She lies. She rests at last beneath the starry skies. When she finished, she was still for several seconds, until a knowing smile crossed her lips. â€Å"Aah, Jacques.† Langdon watched her expectantly. â€Å"You understand this?† â€Å"As you have witnessed on the chapel floor, Mr. Langdon, there are many ways to see simple things.† Langdon strained to understand. Everything about Jacques Sauniere seemed to have double meanings, and yet Langdon could see no further. Marie gave a tired yawn. â€Å"Mr. Langdon, I will make a confession to you. I have never officially been privy to the present location of the Grail. But, of course, I was married to a person of enormous influence†¦ and my women's intuition is strong.† Langdon started to speak but Marie continued. â€Å"I am sorry that after all your hard work, you will be leaving Rosslyn without any real answers. And yet, something tells me you will eventually find what you seek. One day it will dawn on you.† She smiled. â€Å"And when it does, I trust that you, of all people, can keep a secret.† There was a sound of someone arriving in the doorway. â€Å"Both of you disappeared,† Sophie said, entering. â€Å"I was just leaving,† her grandmother replied, walking over to Sophie at the door. â€Å"Good night, princess.† She kissed Sophie's forehead. â€Å"Don't keep Mr. Langdon out too late.† Langdon and Sophie watched her grandmother walk back toward the fieldstone house. When Sophie turned to him, her eyes were awash in deep emotion. â€Å"Not exactly the ending I expected.† That makes two of us, he thought. Langdon could see she was overwhelmed. The news she had received tonight had changed everything in her life. â€Å"Are you okay? It's a lot to take in.† She smiled quietly. â€Å"I have a family. That's where I'm going to start. Who we are and where we came from will take some time.† Langdon remained silent. â€Å"Beyond tonight, will you stay with us?† Sophie asked. â€Å"At least for a few days?† Langdon sighed, wanting nothing more. â€Å"You need some time here with your family, Sophie. I'm going back to Paris in the morning.† She looked disappointed but seemed to know it was the right thing to do. Neither of them spoke for a long time. Finally Sophie reached over and, taking his hand, led him out of the chapel. They walked to a small rise on the bluff. From here, the Scottish countryside spread out before them, suffused in a pale moonlight that sifted through the departing clouds. They stood in silence, holding hands, both of them fighting the descending shroud of exhaustion. The stars were just now appearing, but to the east, a single point of light glowed brighter than any other. Langdon smiled when he saw it. It was Venus. The ancient Goddess shining down with her steady and patient light. The night was growing cooler, a crisp breeze rolling up from the lowlands. After a while, Langdon looked over at Sophie. Her eyes were closed, her lips relaxed in a contented smile. Langdon could feel his own eyes growing heavy. Reluctantly, he squeezed her hand. â€Å"Sophie?† Slowly, she opened her eyes and turned to him. Her face was beautiful in the moonlight. She gave him a sleepy smile. â€Å"Hi.† Langdon felt an unexpected sadness to realize he would be returning to Paris without her. â€Å"I maybe gone before you wake up.† He paused, a knot growing in his throat. â€Å"I'm sorry, I'm not very good at – â€Å" Sophie reached out and placed her soft hand on the side of his face. Then, leaning forward, she kissed him tenderly on the cheek. â€Å"When can I see you again?† Langdon reeled momentarily, lost in her eyes. â€Å"When?† He paused, curious if she had any idea how much he had been wondering the same thing. â€Å"Well, actually, next month I'm lecturing at a conference in Florence. I'll be there a week without much to do.† â€Å"Is that an invitation?† â€Å"We'd be living in luxury. They're giving me a room at the Brunelleschi.† Sophie smiled playfully. â€Å"You presume a lot, Mr. Langdon.† He cringed at how it had sounded. â€Å"What I meant – â€Å" â€Å"I would love nothing more than to meet you in Florence, Robert. But on one condition.† Her tone turned serious. â€Å"No museums, no churches, no tombs, no art, no relics.† â€Å"In Florence? For a week? There's nothing else to do.† Sophie leaned forward and kissed him again, now on the lips. Their bodies came together, softly at first, and then completely. When she pulled away, her eyes were full of promise. â€Å"Right,† Langdon managed. â€Å"It's a date.†